Creative Saskatchewan celebrates increased investment into film production

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Regina, Saskatchewan
March 22, 2023

Creative Saskatchewan applauds increased investment into film production

It’s been a big year for Saskatchewan’s film industry, and the sector is celebrating once more. The Government of Saskatchewan announced in today’s provincial budget that they are investing $12 million into film production (up from $10 million announced in last year’s budget).

“We’re very pleased with the Government’s decision to extend the reach of our Feature Film and Television Production Grant program,” says Erin Dean, CEO of Creative Saskatchewan, and the official film commission for the province. “Productions are a multi-faceted endeavour, built around labour with the potential to create many new jobs, and have far-reaching impacts on local hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. This is estimated to result in a total of $55.8 million in positive economic outputs, and over 250 new jobs.” Explains Dean. The program supports hiring local labour and incentivizes expenditures with Saskatchewan businesses, ensuring that every cent remains in the province

The increase to the base funding of the program supports measured growth for the film industry. “The future of film is bright for Saskatchewan,” says local Producer, Chris Triffo with Wavelength Entertainment and Creative Saskatchewan board member, “the word spread around the globe last year that Saskatchewan is film-friendly and open for business. This increased investment into Saskatchewan people and productions puts our money where our mouth is. It sends a strong message that we’re open for business, and we’re ready to work.” In the last year, Creative Saskatchewan has had 18 productions begin filming since the program opened, and there’s more to come. We remain open to future opportunities; the door is wide open for large productions to have those discussions.

The demand for content has never been higher. All evidence points to an increasing trend towards digital media production. With increased support to Saskatchewan’s most attractive film incentive program ever, and strategic efforts from the Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, Saskatchewan stands poised to quench the thirst for content, and reap the economic benefits from its fallout.

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About Creative Saskatchewan

Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries. Creative Saskatchewan unlocks the potential of the creative industries and fuels the economic engine of homegrown talent, converting creativity into cashflow. The agency’s investments propel creative entrepreneurs as they create, perform, innovate, and export in their pursuit of commercial success.

For more information or to provide commentary, please contact:

Megan Jane, Manager of Marketing and Communications, Creative Saskatchewan
O: (306) 798-2191 | C: (306) 529-7377 | megan.jane@creativesask.ca | creativesask.ca